A WOMAN and two men from Middlesbrough were set upon by a vicious dog after they refused to give a man a cigarette.

British Transport Police (BTP) is now investigating the attack by a pit bull or Staffordshire bull terrier on the group at Darlington train station.

The trio had been waiting at the station when they were approached by a group of around four to five men aged between 18 and 20.

One of the men who had a dog on a lead asked for a cigarette. When they refused him, the man directed his dog to attack.

The dog bit one of the group leaving the man with a significant bite mark to his bicep. His two friends were also injured as they tried to stop the attack.

The victims made off from the group by jumping in a taxi. The group of men then headed off towards Yarm Road.

Officers are making inquiries into the incident which took place between 9pm and 9.30pm on Saturday, February 18, close to the station entrance.

PC Tony McGhin, investigating officer, said: “This was a cruel and callous attack on a group of people who were simply minding their own business and their injuries sustained could have been a lot worse.”

The man in control of the dog is described as around 5ft 7ins, of thin build with short brown hair and a fringe. He was wearing a dark tracksuit top with dark tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with any information is asked to call BTP for free on 0800 405040 and quote B12/NEA of 01/03/2012.